Reasons Behind the Service 4WD Message in Your Car

When purchasing a vehicle, there are many factors to consider, especially if it is a German model. Cars manufactured in Germany have specific designs and carefully engineered parts that make them so desirable. Despite their impeccable design, these cars can occasionally fall victim to problems that most car owners experience.

Since German vehicles are built for performance and luxury, it is imperative that the driver understands the basics about their car in order to avoid unnecessary damage. One of these involves the pesky “service 4WD” notification that appears in the dashboard. Many people may wonder what they blinking light means, especially if their car has been driving just fine. Whether or not there is a legitimate issue, it is still imperative that drivers take this alert seriously. Let’s consider a few reasons why.

What Does 4WD Mean?

To begin, 4WD is the abbreviation for “Four Wheel Drive”. Each car will fall under one of the four categories of drivetrain: front wheel, rear wheel, four wheel, or all-wheel drive. This unique classification demonstrates how your wheels work together to deliver the most power to your car. Four wheel drive is one of the most common types of drivetrain. This means that the engine is shooting power to each wheel simultaneously while the car is driving.

In an effort to preserve gas, there is an option for rear wheel drive. In this mode, the car primarily sends its power to the back two wheels as a means to preserve fuel. While driving in four wheel drive mode requires more fuel and power, it is often preferred by drivers in inclement weather or otherwise rough terrain, as it can give you a little more control over the vehicle than rear wheel drive mode.

What Does the Service Message Mean?

When any notification appears on your car’s dash, it can cause a fair amount of stress, especially if you don’t know how serious the alert may be. When the 4WD light appears, it is letting you know that there is an issue with the 4WD system and it must be handled promptly.

Another reason why this light may occur is an incomplete shift in gears. This is confusing and damaging to the engine and could result in your 4WD service light flashing continuously. In order to avoid this, make sure to shift completely before taking off for a drive. If you believe you have shifted into gear properly but the light is still on, get to a professional mechanic as soon as possible, as this may indicate a transmission issue.

One way an incomplete shift impacts the service message is when the driver switches from 2WD to 4WD while the vehicle is in motion. This can cause a great deal of damage and send your 4WD system into a frenzy. In order to prevent damage, it is important to switch your gears completely while the car is not in motion. This will help for a smoother transition and less damage to your engine.

In some occasions, consistent flashing of the 4WD option may be a system malfunction. That pesky notification can be quite annoying and bothersome to any driver. Cars are programmed with internal computers that read each motion of your vehicle. Like a regular computer, a vehicle computer may go through programming faults that trigger an alert. Pay attention to the timing of your flashes in order to determine if it is a computer or mechanical problem. Many times, computer related issues may trigger other hidden issues within the car. Because of this, it is imperative to take these issues seriously.

How We Can Help

No matter the cause, it is always safest to get your vehicle checked out for any possible problem. When it comes to German automobiles, it’s especially important to rely on the experts. Our professionals at German Motors and Imports have been serving the German automobile needs of the people in the San Diego, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Clairemont, CA area for years. Our expertise combined with strict attention to detail will make us your #1 choice for all of your maintenance and service needs. Our team is trained in diagnosing automobile issues with honesty and integrity. If you are experiencing issues with your 4WD, bring your vehicle in for an inspection today!